IOBY (an acronym for “In Our Back Yard”) is a non-profit organization with a mission to support grassroots efforts that improve neighborhoods. Partnering with Livable Memphis, they have offered to match dollars raised by local groups for small scale projects “that will make Memphis’ blocks and neighborhoods more livable, fun, and safe.” The EBHDNA was lucky enough to be selected as one of the participants in this program.

Through an open meeting and a forum on NextDoor, East Buntyn residents decided on a unique project that will help a couple of stressed species and benefit us humans, too. The project has been given the name “Bring back birds and bats to Buntyn.” The plan is to build and erect a number of bat houses as well as a Chimney Swift tower in East Buntyn. These structures will provide safe and suitable housing for these creatures who are suffering with population declines.

Bats and Chimney Swifts were chosen because they are very beneficial to our environment. Both species are voracious mosquito eaters. They are good plant pollinators, thus helping local organic farmers. They also provide tremendous entertainment with their aerial acrobatics. The materials needed for project along with the consultation fee charged by Lichterman Nature Center will add up to $1,800. Only $900 in donations is needed because ioby will match the contributions. But there is a small window for this “matching.” Go to IOBY’s website between 3/30 and 4/15 to see how you can help this project.

On the last Tuesday of every month there is a Neighborhood Watch meeting at Tillman Station. This month it's on the 31st at 6:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to meet some of our police precinct's staff, hear about recent crime trends/stats, and share any concerns we might have. Hope to see some of you there!

In anticipation of the East Buntyn ArtWalk, all neighborhood residents are asked to tidy up their lawns, sidewalks, and gutters. The ArtWalk brings hundreds of people from the greater Memphis area to walk around our neighborhood. We want “to put on our best face” for these visitors. This year’s ArtWalk will take place on Saturday, April 18. This means that one should complete the task over a week prior to that date, so that the City will have ample time to pick the waste created. If your schedule or the weather prevents this from happening, please place your waste behind your fence until garbage/trash pickup the week following ArtWalk. It is vital that all sidewalks are clean and clear for the event. The EBHDNA sponsors a neighborhood-wide clean up on Saturday, March 30 starting at 9am. Every household in East Buntyn is asked to join in the effort. Neighbors are asked to meet in front of the Little Free Library on Midland (between Prescott and Reese). Participants should bring their own work gloves and water bottle. It would also be helpful to bring a yard tool such as a broom, shovel, rake, or scoop. The Association will be supplying garbage bags and a water cooler. Participants will be split into small groups to tackle a general sweep of Mid-land Avenue’s sidewalks and gutters and to clean storm drains throughout East Buntyn. This year to show appreciation of the time donation and to add a little more fun to the event, volunteers will be eligible for some nice prize drawings.So, in addition to meeting great people and feeling good about themselves, the best of East Buntyn will take home gift certificates and other items!